In recent statements, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed his belief that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stands as the favorite to win the UEFA Champions League this season. Ferdinand’s assertion stems from PSG’s impressive performance as they eliminated Liverpool in a thrilling penalty shootout, which showcased their potential to triumph over the tournament’s elite. The atmosphere surrounding PSG has shifted significantly, with Ferdinand noting that they have now cultivated a team that he sees as capable of defeating any contender in this highly competitive league. This marks a departure from his earlier inclination toward Real Madrid as the frontrunners before the commencement of the knockout rounds.
PSG’s current form is particularly remarkable given their commanding position in Ligue 1, where they lead their closest rivals by a staggering 21 points. This significant margin affords them the luxury of concentrating their efforts primarily on capturing the Champions League title, a feat that has eluded the club throughout its history. The team’s evolution has been noteworthy, especially in the absence of superstar Kylian Mbappe. Key players like Ousmane Dembele have stepped into pivotal roles, delivering consistent performances that bolster the squad’s capabilities.
Ferdinand elaborated on his newfound faith in PSG’s chances, crediting their dominance against Liverpool as a key factor influencing his perspective. He specifically highlighted the disparity between the two teams during their encounters, remarking on the fluidity and effectiveness of PSG’s play. He stated, “It’s the first time I’ve looked at them seriously, and thought they’ve really, genuinely got the players, and the team, to beat any team in the competition.” This marks a significant endorsement from a player of Ferdinand’s stature.
Adding to the discussion, former Liverpool, Chelsea, and West Ham midfielder Joe Cole concurred with Ferdinand’s assessment, identifying PSG’s midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz as essential to their strategy against Liverpool. Cole noted their commanding presence and the way they dictated the pace of the game. He remarked, “Combine that with the front three, and the subs – [Desire] Doue coming off the bench, the young lad – they’ve got everything.” However, Cole voiced a minor concern regarding the performance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but acknowledged his ability to make critical saves in high-pressure moments, further suggesting confidence in PSG’s overall squad depth.
Looking ahead, PSG’s next challenge will come against another Premier League side, Aston Villa. The first leg of their quarter-final clash is set to take place at Parc des Princes on April 9. Promoting the upcoming match, coverage will be available live through TNT Sports and discovery+, catering to fans eager to witness the action unfold.
While Ferdinand has positioned PSG as the clear favorites, he did point out that Aston Villa still holds potential pathways to succeed in this matchup. He emphasized the importance of the venue for the second leg, which will be hosted at Villa Park. He remarked, “If they stay in the game in the first leg, and the game’s live when they get to Villa Park, we know what the atmosphere can be like.” Ferdinand referenced previous encounters, such as PSG’s struggles against Newcastle last season, to underscore how an electrifying stadium atmosphere can have a profound impact on a match’s outcome.
As anticipation builds for the clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, key details regarding the scheduling have come to light. The match on April 9 is slated to commence at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage set to begin on TNT Sports 1 at 19:00. For viewers wishing to enjoy the match, TNT Sports offers a comprehensive package across multiple platforms. Subscriptions for incoming audiences can be made through providers like discovery+, BT, Virgin Media, and others, catering to a wide range of viewers looking to engage with Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League action.